Skopje, 5 April 2023 (MIA) – As part of his visit to North Macedonia, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković addressed the MPs in Parliament on Wednesday, assessing that his visit to Skopje represents a new step in the deepening of the already good relations between the two countries. Plenković shared Croatia’s experience with EU accession and its benefits, while also encouraging MPs and citizens to continue down that path, despite all the obstacles.

“Not only do Croatia and North Macedonia not have any open disputes, but our relations are getting better every day. This is especially true since North Macedonia has become a NATO member, and consequently our ally” said Plenković.

The Croatian Prime Minister stressed that he came to Skopje to reiterate the clear and firm support provided by Croatia to North Macedonia on its EU path. He voiced his pride over the fact that the decision to begin accession talks with North Macedonia and Albania was made during the Croatian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which was one of Zagreb’s key priorities.

Plenković noted that Croatia is also one of the most active EU member states when it comes to supporting and strengthening North Macedonia’s institutional capacities for the accession talks and EU membership. The Croatian PM said he is glad that Ambassador Vladimir Drobnjak, who was Croatia’s Chief EU Negotiator, is aiding the Macedonian Government. The Croatian PM added that Croatia marks 10 years of EU membership in 2023, and by joining the Schengen Area and the Eurozone, the country has fulfilled its two most important foreign policy goals and is consequently fully integrated within the EU and better protected from present and future crises.

“In the current situation it is a great advantage to be a part of the 15 countries who are members of NATO, the EU, the Schengen Area and the Eurozone at the same time, since it significantly contributes to our security, as well as our political and financial stability,” said Plenković.

On the enlargement policy, the Croatian Prime Minister said that Croatia can serve as example for the transformative power of the EU membership perspective.

Plenković stressed the importance of the political consensus of all Croatian parliamentary parties during the country’s EU accession talks. This, he said, significantly contributed to the conclusion of negotiations despite the fairly unfavorable situation.

“From today’s perspective, I can say that such a ‘Union for Europe’ brought all political and social structures together and prevented internal political struggles from emerging over the EU negotiations process, which would have slowed down our accession,” said Plenković.

According to Plenković, members of all parts of Croatian society and the overall public felt that the EU accession process is a shared undertaking, which is why the Croatian PM directed his key message to the MPs and all citizens of North Macedonia.

“Through numerous examples, you have clearly shown your commitment to EU membership, demonstrating political vision and courage in exceptionally challenging political moments for your country. I am aware, and I fully understand certain frustrations and dissatisfaction, but I want to encourage you not to lose faith and hope, but on the contrary to invest additional efforts in the implementation of reforms as a preparation for future EU membership. Regardless of how difficult and uncertain this seems now, the political situation and your clear commitment to EU membership, require you to take this exceptionally important step for your country, your citizens and future generations,” said the Croatian PM.

Croatia, underscored Plenković, with its influence, experience, and knowledge will continue to assist North Macedonia on its EU path.

"In Croatia, with whom you share a long tradition of mutual relations, you will continue to have an honest ally. North Macedonia deserves to be a part of the European family," said Plenković, reiterating Croatia’s support for North Macedonia.

Regarding the war in Ukraine, Plenković said that Croatia will continue to support the country on a political, financial and diplomatic level, as well as with military aid. He expressed his satisfaction that the Government of North Macedonia has aligned its foreign policy with the EU’s foreign policy in this context, which is especially important, because, he said, North Macedonia has shown that it is really committed to the common European values and on the right side of history.

According to Plenković, the current numerous challenges and threats call for a more engaged and clear role of the EU in international relations. He added that the Russian aggression on Ukraine has shone a new light on the perspectives of the countries from Southeast Europe and their EU membership aspirations, and consequently a new strategic vision for the future of the region is necessary in order to not only secure its stability, but also its democratization and economic development.

“The future EU membership of the countries from Southeast Europe is a real political, security and economic interest of the Union,” Plenković underlined.

The formal session of Parliament was attended by President Stevo Pendarovski, Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski, Government ministers, representatives of the judiciary, religious leaders, ambassadors, and representatives of the diplomatic corps…